ExhaustNote Ep. 2: Ford Escape Test Drive

In this installment of ExhaustNote we will be covering the 2013 Ford Escape. Once again we bring you our sporty, fast-paced video showing off the interior of the brand new styled crossover followed by some edgy footage of how the Escape handles and drives.

The Escape has undergone some dramatic changes from the 2012 model to the 2013 model. Exterior and interior style have changed from top to bottom replacing its boxy exterior with a curvy crossover look that some are saying looks down right intimidating. Sporty creases pressed into its sheet-metal, a splayed back windshield, and a lowered roof all contribute to the new look. Inside the Escape it’s the same story. Simple, square, upright style has been replaced by a sleek, futuristic, and multifaceted look. You wouldn’t be able to tell from the outside, but the interior room inside the Escape has virtually stayed the same. Rear seating is comfortable and has an extra 1.2 inches of legroom. Cargo area is also up slightly to 34.3 cubic feet behind the second row and 68.1 with the seats down.

The Escape comes with all the latest bells and whistles one could ask for in any type of vehicle. To start there’s a park assist feature that will beep depending on how close you are to an object whether going forward or in reverse. Then you have the blind-spot monitoring system which flashes a little yellow triangle in your side-view mirrors whenever there is a vehicle creeping up your hind quarters. Then, there’s also Ford’s Cross-Traffic assist, which will beep if there is any on-coming traffic from your left or right when you are in reverse. Where the interior of the Escape really shines is the latest version of Ford’s Sync system with MyFord Touch. This updated version boasts one of the easiest ways to connect a Bluetooth device and use hands-free options on the market. The display screen is beautiful with one of the best navigation maps available. Not only are the touch features easy to use, the physical buttons that accompany the screen are practical and out of the way.

The changes continue under the skin as well. The old chassis is replaced by a new one that drives like a beefed up Ford Focus with a high center of gravity. It stays planted, feels secure, and for those who like to play around even a little, its fun. The electrically assisted steering is accurate and stability control is standard. Three four-cylinder engines are available each accompanied by a six-speed automatic transmission. At the bottom of the list is a revised 2.5-liter with 168 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. This base engine is available only with front-wheel drive. An optional 1.6-liter turbocharged Ecoboost engine with 178 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque is the next step up. The most powerful choice is a 2.0-liter turbocharged Ecoboost engine with 240 hp and 270 lb-ft torque which has the same power and 37 more lb-ft than offered by last year’s 3.0-liter V-6.

The 2013 Ford Escape is one of the most competitively priced crossovers on the market. The base S trim starts at $23,295 which is $200 less than last years base automatic. The SE starts at $25,895 and the SEL at $28,695. At the top of the list, the Titanium trim starts at $31,195.